Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training (U2C - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training (U2C - Clinical Trial Not Allowed), issued by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), addresses the urgent need for workforce development in the fields of kidney, urologic, and hematologic (KUH) research. This funding opportunity (PAR-26-115), a reissue of PAR-23-248, aims to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of researchers in non-malignant KUH diseases, including both adult and pediatric conditions. Through the U2C-TL1 mechanism, the program supports a collaborative network structure that integrates institutional resources and personnel to create a robust, interdisciplinary training environment across the KUH research landscape. The award funds three distinct components: the U2C Administrative Core, the U2C Networking and Professional Development Core, and the TL1 Training Core. The Administrative Core is responsible for governance, program oversight, and performance tracking. The Networking and Professional Development Core supports local networking, structured education, mentoring, and peer-mentorship tailored to trainee needs. The TL1 component funds at least five predoctoral and/or postdoctoral trainees per awardee institution to engage in KUH research. Each U2C-TL1 award is expected to participate in the KUH Research Training Network (KUHR-TN), a national collaborative effort to enhance trainee connectivity and professional development. Although broad disciplinary representation is encouraged, it is not required for participation. Institutions may submit only one unified application, although multi-department or cross-institutional collaborations are allowed. The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial NIH involvement post-award, and requires separate but linked applications for the U2C and TL1 components. Clinical trials are not permitted under this opportunity. Awards may span a maximum period of five years, and the total cost of the U2C component must not exceed 40% of the TL1 training component. Awarded programs must support rigorous training in KUH-related biomedical research, encompassing areas such as data science, team-based science, leadership, communication, and experimental design. The initiative also emphasizes institutional track records in innovative training, the importance of structured mentor training, and inclusive recruitment of trainees from diverse scientific and demographic backgrounds. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based entities such as higher education institutions (public and private), state and local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofit and for-profit entities, and other federally recognized entities. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, and no foreign subawards/subcontracts are permitted. Foreign components, such as consultants or procurement of unique supplies from international vendors, are allowed but must comply with NIH policies. Trainees must be U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or lawfully admitted permanent residents. Each must engage in full-time research training, defined as 40 hours per week, and meet additional criteria for either predoctoral or postdoctoral status. The application process requires submission via ASSIST or an institutional system-to-system solution, following the NIH Multi-Project (M) Application Guide. Applications must include four components: Overall, Administrative Core, Networking and Professional Development Core, and Training Core. Key dates include the earliest submission date of April 25, 2026, with standard NIH due dates applying thereafter (e.g., May 25, 2026, 2027, and 2028). All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Awards will be issued beginning in April of the following year after submission. The opportunity remains open until May 26, 2028. While there are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, applicants must complete several registrations (SAM, UEI, Grants.gov, eRA Commons) before submission. Review of applications is based on standard NIH peer review criteria including significance, investigators, innovation, approach, and environment. Additional considerations include the program’s approach to mentoring, retention, and career development, particularly for diverse and underrepresented populations. Reviewers will also assess alignment with KUH mission priorities and potential for impact on the research workforce. Contact information includes [email protected] for scientific inquiries and [email protected] for grants management.

Emphasize inclusive trainee recruitment, strong governance structure, and active participation in KUHR-TN. Align application with KUH mission areas.